Thank you, Ald. Silvana Tabares

By Peggy Zabicki

Your correspondent in West Lawn

3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327

In the print edition of last week’s Greater Southwest News-Herald, I mentioned the repairs and painting done on the Central Park Avenue viaducts between 60th Street and 63rd Street. I shared some incorrect information I received way back in 2021 about the viaducts; and so because of this, I didn’t give credit where credit was due. A very big thank you goes to 23rd Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares for all your hard work on the viaducts. They look so nice. Great job!

I also mentioned the beautiful murals being painted at the viaduct at 59th and Central Park. The murals were designed by artist James Jankowiak.

Jankowiak is an artist and teacher who was born and raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood. He studied art at the School of the Art Institute and Columbia College, but is mostly self taught. He teaches at Urban Gateways community schools, Kennedy High School and Columbia College. His focus is on bringing art to inner city youths. Neighborhood high school graduates got the opportunity to help paint his 59th Street viaduct murals.

Peggy Zabicki

James Jankowiak is known for his gorgeous geometric murals and gigantic paintings. I hope everyone has a chance to see his colorful creations at 59th and Central Park.

The Quinn and Guerrero-Cuellar Service Office held a job fair at West Lawn Park recently and several companies were represented including the Chicago Police Department. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a police officer you can take their written exam at Daley College at 7500 S. Pulaski. The exam dates are Sept. 22-24. Candidates can choose either 8 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. to take the exam.

If you need more information you can visit or call the Quinn and Guerrero-Cuellar Service Office at 6500 S. Pulaski, 773-581-8000.

Speaking of jobs, Windy City Hot dogs, 4205 W. 63rd St., is still looking for an experienced cook. Apply in person or call (773) 581-0332.

The West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St., will be presenting a workshop on money basics and retirement planning on Monday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Call for more information at (312) 747-7381.

The next CAPS meeting for Beats 823 and 825 will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Chicago (8^th) District Police Station, 3420 W. 63rd St. If you need more information about the meeting or if you would like to know what beat you are in, call the Community Policing Office at (312) 747-8724.

The news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II last week marked an important time in history. She was the world’s longest reigning monarch. My daughter, Chloe, was living in England years ago at the time of Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee. She sent me a lovely Queen Elizabeth commemorative plate because I’ve always admired the queen.

Does anyone remember when Queen Elizabeth visited Chicago in 1959? Her motorcade drove down 55th street. I was seven years old at the time. I wish I could have seen the queen. However, I did get my first Barbie doll that same year, which at the time was just as exciting to me as seeing the queen.

I’d like to wish my dear beautiful and intelligent friend, Anyssa, a very happy September birthday. Anyssa makes the world a better place just by being her wonderful self.